Werner Norval is a healthcare and management professional with extensive experience in emergency medical services and financial management. He holds an MBA in Digital Transformation and Innovation from the University of Johannesburg, where he honed his strategic leadership skills. As a Senior Flight Paramedic and Clinical Quality Assurance Lead at the Red Cross Air Mercy Service, Werner implemented quality improvement initiatives that enhanced patient care. His background in healthcare operations and financial advisory positions him as a valuable asset in optimising healthcare delivery and operational efficiency.

Werner recently completed his MBA at the University of Johannesburg.

MBA Dissertation: Digital transformation in emergency medical services: A Global South pilot study

Lucas Kunene is a retired environmental health practitioner with immense experience in environmental health. He worked as a health inspector at Peri-Urban Health Board in the 1970’s and continued in the City of Johannesburg Health Department for over three decades. He is an inspired professional with an MTech in Environmental Health (UJ) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professional Education (UCT). His philosophy is to develop himself with the aim of helping others. This is evident with his PhD pursuance at UCT and is inspired by his daughters.

Irrespective of his age (77 years), he remains dedicated in his profession. He was awarded the Minister’s Special Award in 2019 during the Alfred Nzo Environmental Health Conference in Kimberley. He has written a short storybook about his career titled ‘’ Reflections of a Health Inspector”.

Ph.D. Thesis: Evaluation of training, education and qualifications of vector control workers in Gauteng municipalities, South Africa

Abdul Hamid Jalal, a registered Biokineticist and Assistant Lecturer in Human Anatomy and Physiology, holds an MPhil in Biokinetics from the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He excels in treating injuries, post-surgical orthopaedics and chronic neurological conditions. As a lecturer in human anatomy and physiology, his research focuses on neurophysiology, clinical exercise physiology and preventative medicine, with a special emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of Islamic prayer, on which he has published research. Mr. Jalal serves on the Biokinetics Association Gauteng committee and is a member of the South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) and the BEAHT Research Centre at UJ. As chairman of the Islamic Medical Association (IMA) of South Africa’s East Rand branch, he oversees free therapy and medical screening outreach programs. 

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Physiology, focusing on neurophysiology, Islamic prayer and medical research.

David Kopping is a Biokineticist with a special interest in tennis. He is invested in injury mitigation and has conducted his Masters thesis topic around injury mitigation in tennis using Virtual Reality at the University of Johannesburg. David played university-level Tennis and Squash and has taken these experiences into his practice. David hopes to contribute to the racquet sports industry to help not only understand the aetiology of injuries but how to mitigate the risk of sustaining injuries. His experience in Biokinetics has provided him the opportunity to work with various different sports including rugby, cycling, shot put, athletics as well as various racquet sports including badminton, squash, padel and tennis. He is an open-minded, enthusiastic and highly motivated young professional open to collaborating and working with people from various backgrounds.

MPhil Dissertation: Injury mitigation among South African tennis players through virtual reality: A randomised control trial

Ammaarah Patel is a dedicated Biokineticist currently working in Executive Wellness, where she applies her expertise to enhance client health and performance. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in Sports Science at the University of Johannesburg, further solidifying her academic foundation in the field. As the founder of Synergy Biokinetics, Ammaarah combines her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for fitness and rehabilitation. In addition, she serves as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for Emmarentia Pirates Football Club, where she has obtained her SAFA D coaching license. With a keen interest in sports, Ammaarah is committed to promoting athletic excellence and well-being.

MPhil Dissertation: The batting backlift technique among professional female cricket players

After completing his sports science degree, Faheem Mahomed Essack furthered his studies in biokinetics at UKZN Westville where he also completed his internship as a biokineticist. Once completed, he worked as a biokineticist at a practice based in a hospital, whilst also conducting Discovery and Momentum health and fitness assessments for clients at wellness days. 

Thereafter, he ventured into the field of teaching and has been lecturing as an independent contractor at Varsity College on the Sports Management and Development stream for more than 10 years. He is currently completing his MBA through MANCOSA, with the intention of upskilling himself for future endeavours and opportunities.

MBA Dissertation: A systematic narrative review of South African business adoption using AI and digital technologies in healthcare: A preliminary investigation

Yaasirah Choonara graduated with a degree in podiatry from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in 2018. She then completed her Masters in Health Sciences in 2022 and is currently a PhD candidate at UJ. She gained professional experience in the private sector for a duration of one year prior to joining academia in 2020 as a lecturer in Pathology & Medicine and Applied Pharmacology at UJ. Yaasirah has been a member of the Ujenius club since 2017 and was ranked within the highest percentile of academic student performers at the university. In addition to her academic responsibilities, she assumes the role of chairperson of the Podiatry Department Research committee, as well as serves on the higher degrees’ committee and alumni committee. She is also involved in several community outreach programs to give back to the less fortunate. She recently was elected as the research chair of the Podiatry Association of South Africa's executive committee. Apart from her love of academia, she has a keen interest in martial arts and is a 2nd-dan black belt. Yaasirah is a mother of two and aspires for her children to excel beyond her in all facets of life.

Ph.D. Thesis: Development of e-learning strategies to promote active engagement, motivation, and skill acquisition by podiatry students at the University of Johannesburg

Solomon Karabo Mthombeni (PhD) is a Content Advisor on Education and Technology, Sport, Arts and Culture in the National Council of Provinces at Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. Dr. Mthombeni previously worked as a Biokineticist in 2012 at the Sport Science Institute of South Africa, then served 6 years in the Department of Health prior to joining Parliament in 2019. He holds a PhD in Health Sciences (Sport Science) as well as an MPhil in Biokinetics from the University of Johannesburg. His current research focuses on the conceptualisation of an inclusive South African sports policy framework that creates pathways for international success. Dr. Mthombeni has presented at various international conferences and has published several peer-reviewed articles in international journals. He also served as the parliamentary research team responsible for the public participation process of the National Health Insurance (NHI), South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDs) as well as the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bills.

Ph.D. Thesis: Elite athletes from historically disadvantaged areas representing South Africa at the summer Olympic Games: an exploration of support systems

Robyn Klaasen is a dedicated educator, researcher, wife and mother from Cape Town, South Africa. She holds a BSc in Sport Science (Stellenbosch University, 2006), a postgraduate degree in Education (UNISA, 2013) and a Master’s in Health Science (University of Fort Hare, 2021). Robyn’s passion for Exercise Science began in high school, earning a bronze medal for her study on The Effects of Footwear on the Forces of Running in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. Now, approaching her 12th year as an Athletic Director and teacher, she actively promotes physical literacy and advocates for improved physical activity levels in urban youth.

Master's Dissertation: Barriers to participation in sports among urban adolescents at an International School in Cape Town, South Africa (cum laude)

Main supervisor: Prof. Maya van Gent (University of Fort Hare)

Lesego Malele is a Biokineticist with a special interest in mental health, high performance and metabolic syndrome. At the University of Johannesburg (UJ), he graduated first in his undergraduate program (BCom Sport Management) as well as in his honours degree program (Biokinetics). Other honours he has received include the UJ Faculty of Health Science Top Achievers Award, the Golden Key International Honour Society Award and membership in the UJenius Club - which recognises the top 1% of academic achievers at UJ. Currently, his portfolio is Public sector for the Western Cape, Biokinetics Association of South Africa (BASA). He obtained his master's degree at the University of Johannesburg.

Master's Dissertation: The relationship between mental health and performance parameters among semi-professional male cricket players during COVID-19

Received a student's award at the 7th World Congress of Science & Medicine in Cricket, Chandigarh, India (2023).

"My name is Luke Chapman from Houston, TX and I graduated from MIT in 2024 where I studied Mechanical Engineering and played on the men’s lacrosse team. Due to my background, I enjoy studying biomechanics specifically within the context of sports. 

As such, I visited the MIT Sports Lab to search for a professor to sponsor my undergraduate thesis and met Professor Noorbhai, who I worked with to develop a design for a prototype baseball training bat to train both power and accuracy in athletes. I now live in Denver, CO where I work as a management consultant for Boston Consulting Group and enjoy hiking, climbing, fly fishing and skiing on the weekends."

Siyabonga Zondo is a Biokineticist at Winile Mtshali Biokineticist and serves his first year on the Biokinetics Association of South Africa (BASA) Ethics and international Committee.  

Siyabonga earned a Bachelor of Biokinetics Degree from the University of Johannesburg. He has a special interest in injury mitigation through exercise, focusing on posture, mobility and strength; and is also experienced in the occupational mining environment. Siyabonga is passionate about his profession.

Devenney Smith holds an Honours degree in Biokinetics from the University of Johannesburg, where she published research on muscle imbalance in acrobatic dancers with Professor Habib Noorbhai. After moving to the UK in 2022, she has worked at Nuffield Health as a well-being Personal Trainer and Rehabilitation Specialist, helping clients with injury recovery and fitness improvement. Now, as a newly self-employed fitness professional, she aims to promote the belief that "Movement is Medicine," offering tailored services for rehabilitation, chronic conditions and general fitness. Her goal is to inspire and guide more people towards healthier, active lifestyles through the power of exercise.

Shenaaz Msusa is a dedicated Biokinetics graduate from the University of Johannesburg (2022), passionate about using exercise as a means for rehabilitation and healing through movement. As a qualified Pilates instructor, Shenaaz integrates her Biokinetics knowledge into her Pilates practice, providing clients with a balanced, effective approach for optimal wellness. Committed to community service, she frequently hosts health and wellness events and actively coordinates women’s wellness programs through the Islamic Medical Association (IMA) of South Africa. In her free time, Shenaaz enjoys exploring new ways to keep healthy, reading up on the link between mental and physical health, and engaging in personal development activities.

Jordan Stringer graduated from the University of Johannesburg, where he earned his undergraduate degrees in Sport Psychology (2019), Bcom Sport Management (2020) and BA Sport Science (2022).

After completing his studies, he undertook an internship in marketing with Titans Cricket, which paved the way for his current position at Playmakers Sponsorship and Marketing. In this role, he had the opportunity to contribute to high-profile projects, including KFC Mini-Cricket, KFC T20 Internationals, the DStv and Betway Premierships, ABSA Wildeklawer, as well as the DStv Ekasi and Philly's Games.

Zaid Kola followed his passion for sport and completed a BCom Honours degree in Sport Management from the University of Johannesburg. Having taken a different path in sport, he now finds himself in the television industry, starting out as a graphics operator for Alston Elliot, providing on air graphics for SuperSport for some of the biggest sporting tournaments in the world including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He has also worked as a cricket scorer and is currently working as a junior researcher for the football department at SuperSport, providing match facts and statistics for various football competitions.

Shannon Alberts has a deep-rooted passion for health sciences. She earned her Bachelor of Biokinetics from the University of Johannesburg in 2022 and is currently working as biokineticist. While she is experienced in a variety of areas, she is particularly passionate about treating sports-related injuries and genetic hip conditions. She is likely to continue expanding her expertise in these areas to stay at the forefront of her field. Her future prospects in Biokinetics are promising as she hopes to establish her own practice. She takes great pride in dedicating her work to her family and faith.

Andrew Khumalo is a multi-skilled professional, currently taking on a role as a Sport Scientist (Head of Athlete Testing & Evaluation). He also has experience in multifaceted roles within sports organisations across amateur, semi-pro and professional levels. Born with a passion for sport, continuous learning & personal development; he is determined to contribute to the holistic development of world class athletes.

Nicholas Harding is a registered Biokineticist and completed his professional degree in Biokinetics at the University of Johannesburg. His senior thesis focused on physical activity levels, lifestyle behaviour and musculoskeletal health profiles among seated video gamers during COVID-19. Currently, he is a client due diligence analyst at Investec and been working at the bank since August 2021, with a background in KYC.